Whether we like it or not, "there is a need for learning experiences that simultaneously improve health, well being and school engagement whilst addressing curriculum needs... [because] schools currently face a multitude of external pressures ... and health and well-being inequalities... [In addition], the number of children participating in unstructured, outdoor
play is decreasing and opportunities to access the natural environment
are diminishing...
With this in mind, outdoor play through outdoor learning may be one of
the only opportunities children have to experience the natural
environment." So says a research article in PLOS One, a peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal published by the Public Library of Science.
Taking learning outdoors is suggested as an obvious way to offer such holistic learning opportunities. The article goes on to point out that "[a] number of barriers prevent schools from implementing regular outdoor learning in the older primary school age groups."
Common barriers cited by teachers and headteachers include:
Teachers have also expressed a conflict between "the autonomy in choosing outdoor learning as a teaching method and lacking acknowledgment and support from colleagues and the wider school network…"
The findings in this 2019 study demonstrate
Taking learning outdoors is suggested as an obvious way to offer such holistic learning opportunities. The article goes on to point out that "[a] number of barriers prevent schools from implementing regular outdoor learning in the older primary school age groups."
Common barriers cited by teachers and headteachers include:
- existing curriculum pressure,
- the high demand on teachers’ time,
- teachers’ confidence and self-efficacy,
- safety,
- cost
- know-how; that is, access to resources and training
[I]t seems like too much to do at the moment because all the emphasis is on literacy and numeracy all the time, that’s what the big push is at the moment and targets, so it just seems to be another new thing and another new pressure”. (Teacher, School A)
Teachers have also expressed a conflict between "the autonomy in choosing outdoor learning as a teaching method and lacking acknowledgment and support from colleagues and the wider school network…"
The findings in this 2019 study demonstrate
- the need for a school culture that validates outdoor learning,
- the need for good, curriculum-based ideas for those outdoor lessons,
- the need for a "down-to-earth", accessible approaches to adapting the school yard for outdoor learning.
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